Page 21 - Travel Guide Fly Alaska Winter Edition

Hearts, Paws, and Harnesses based on trust, respect, and musher is able to see what lies
The dogs used in the Open genuine affection. These dogs ahead.
World Race differ from those are not just part of the team— Swing Dogs- These dogs are
used in the Iditarod, which also they are family. Together, responsible for swinging the
begins in downtown Anchorage dog and musher face brutal team around corners
and commemorates the conditions, with the dog Team Dogs- Most of the
1925 1,000-mile serum run trusting the musher’s guidance dogs on a large racing team
to Nome, Alaska. The Open and the musher honoring the are team dogs, with many
World Race uses sprint teams dog’s strength and instincts. mushers rotating the dogs into
rather than endurance teams. The bond between musher this position.
The dogs used in this race and dogs is so strong that when Wheel Dogs- These dogs
are often crosses between a dog is injured and cannot are right in front of the sled
Alaskan Huskies and German finish a race, the impact is and usually the largest and
Shorthaired Pointers or English deeply felt. The dog becomes strongest, and are considered
Pointers, bred for exceptional withdrawn and discouraged, the powerhouse of the team.
speed and shorter coats to feeling they have let the team
help them avoid overheating down, and the musher must
during this high-speed race. patiently rebuild the dog’s
Iditarod race dogs are built for self-confidence.
endurance. They are powerful All sled-dog teams have a
and hardy with a thick, double- structure based on each dog’s
layer coat that protects them personality and strengths.
from the elements. The dogs Lead Dog(s)- Usually the
used in this team are the fastest runners. They set the
Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, team’s pace and have a direct
and Alaskan Malamute. relationship with the musher
as they listen for commands.
All in the Family Highly intelligent, they are able
The relationship between to make slight adjustments
the musher and his sled-dogs based on dangers or trail
is a deep, impenetrable bond conditions long before the

WINTER EDITION
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